Fez is the medieval capital of Morocco founded by Idris I in 789, and a great city of high Islamic civilization. Fez has the best-preserved old city in the Arab world, the sprawling, labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali, which is incidentally also the world's largest car-free urban zone. Within the medina transports of goods is provided by donkeys, mules and handcarts.

Fez is the medieval capital of Morocco founded by Idris I in 789, and a great city of high Islamic civilization. Fez has the best-preserved old city in the Arab world, the sprawling, labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali, which is incidentally also the world's largest car-free urban zone. Within the medina transports of goods is provided by donkeys, mules and handcarts.

Understand that the city infrastructure is not necessarily prepared for tourism, especially English speakers. Try to use Google translate to get across, but learning basic words won't hurt, and you will see people appreciating your efforts.

Understand that the city infrastructure is not necessarily prepared for tourism, especially English speakers. Try to use Google translate to get across, but learning basic words won't hurt, and you will see people appreciating your efforts.

Leaving the airport, change some money (10 Euros) in the change, for the bus. After leaving, go slightly left, into an alley. Walk for about 200m, until you see a bus stop marked by a sign. Wait there for a blue bus. Resist the offers from touts and yelling taxidrivers. They will try to scam you into paying anything from 5 EUR to 20 EUR. So unless you want to spat at these hard-working Moroccans, who can only watch crooks scamming tourists, wait for the bus. You will pay about 50 cents for it, and support a tax-paying company, and the country in general. Also: nobody will think you are another one of 'these' tourists.

Leaving the airport, change some money (10 Euros) in the change, for the bus. After leaving, go slightly left, into an alley. Walk for about 200m, until you see a bus stop marked by a sign. Wait there for a blue bus. Resist the offers from touts and yelling taxidrivers. They will try to scam you into paying anything from 5 EUR to 20 EUR. So unless you want to spat at these hard-working Moroccans, who can only watch crooks scamming tourists, wait for the bus. You will pay about 50 cents for it, and support a tax-paying company, and the country in general. Also: nobody will think you are another one of 'these' tourists.

The train station <listing name="Fès-Ville" /> is found at the northern end if the Ville-Nouvelle.

The train station <listing name="Fès-Ville" /> is found at the northern end if the Ville-Nouvelle.

There is regular train service along the [[Marrakech]] to [[Oujda]] and [[Tangier]] to Oujda train lines.

There is regular train service along the [[Marrakech]] to [[Oujda]] and [[Tangier]] to Oujda train lines.

Line 47:

Line 42:

A petit taxi between the train station and Bab Boujeloud costs about 10Dh with taxi meter. Insist on using the meter, if necessary, say "khdm l-koontoor" (Work the counter) to the taxi driver.

A petit taxi between the train station and Bab Boujeloud costs about 10Dh with taxi meter. Insist on using the meter, if necessary, say "khdm l-koontoor" (Work the counter) to the taxi driver.

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[http://www.www.fes-guide.com link title]===By car===

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===By car===

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Fez is about 4 hours' drive by car from Casablanca. The stretch of toll highway from Rabat to Fez is in superb condition. The motorway continues from Fes to Oujda in the far eat of Morocco. For more Informations contact please : www.fes-guide.com

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Fez is about 4 hours' drive by car from Casablanca. The stretch of toll highway from Rabat to Fez is in superb condition. The motorway continues from Fes to Oujda in the far eat of Morocco.

===By taxi===

===By taxi===

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For more Informations contact please : [http://www.www.fes-guide.com]

Travelling by grand taxi (inter-city taxi), is viable for tourists. Places in the taxi (usually an old Mercedes car) are sold individually, however they carry 6 passengers, 4 in the rear and 2 in the front, in order to travel in relative comfort, you may wish to purchase more than one seat. A ride from Fez to Casablanca costs approximately 60-80 dirhams per seat. Note that grand taxi fares are regulated and it is worth checking the official rates with the tourist board, as some drivers or hotels will quote inflated prices.

Travelling by grand taxi (inter-city taxi), is viable for tourists. Places in the taxi (usually an old Mercedes car) are sold individually, however they carry 6 passengers, 4 in the rear and 2 in the front, in order to travel in relative comfort, you may wish to purchase more than one seat. A ride from Fez to Casablanca costs approximately 60-80 dirhams per seat. Note that grand taxi fares are regulated and it is worth checking the official rates with the tourist board, as some drivers or hotels will quote inflated prices.

Private taxis Call for Ali on 00212 661372721 , 150 Dhm from the airport to the Medina, 200 Dhm after 9pm

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Within Fez, ride in the petits taxis (local taxis) rarely cost more that 15-20 dirhams. However, the medina of Fes el-Bali is only accessible from a few points by car. Bab Boujeloud, nearby Place Batha, and Place R'cif are popular dropoff points, for parking there is spaces at Ain Zleten on the northeast edge of the medina. Another openair parking is situated near Hotel Batha (price 20 Dhs / day). If you stay longer than 1 day don't pay in advance.

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Private taxis Call for Ali on 0535741941, 150 Dhm from the airport to the Medina, 200 Dhm after 9pm

Similarly, the '''Qaraouyine''' library and mosque and the '''al-Tijani mosque''' have beautifully decorated exteriors and worth a visit even by those who cannot enter them, which includes all foreigners considered to be non-Muslim.

Similarly, the '''Qaraouyine''' library and mosque and the '''al-Tijani mosque''' have beautifully decorated exteriors and worth a visit even by those who cannot enter them, which includes all foreigners considered to be non-Muslim.

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*<see name="Abdelali EL FADDOUL" alt="" address="8 derb knief hbiyal sidi boujida medina Fes" directions="" phone="00212661372721" url="http://www.fes-guide.com" hours="3-6" price="22 euro" lat="" long="">The cultural and the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fez, a city which reclose in its itinerary a great part of the Moroccan history and which was able to preserve throughtout 12 centuries the richness of the monuments left by different dynasties.

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Although, just a promenade in this magical city will be like a real journey in time. A conserved memory, renewed and maintained traditions, perpetuated handicraft, a city which grows modern in an active way, all these elements among others makes Fez a gorgeous and a cosmopolitan city.

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The work that I do is derived from; the love that I have for this distinguished city, the pleasure of making the other discover the magic of the Medina and its labyrinth, witnessing the fascination that we have vis-à-vis the handicraft objects, feeling the visitor's mysterious impression which emanates from the sanctuaries or shrines and also the millenuim monuments.

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Finally, my ultimate goal while guiding you in this visit of Fez and its surroundings is to make you take the most of such a unique experience, which will for sure remains as a nice oriental impression in your memory.</see>

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==Do==

==Do==

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This is unfortunately one of the sad things about Morocco, that you get to distrust every one, even those people who are genuinely friendly and hospitable, because sometimes this is only a facade.

This is unfortunately one of the sad things about Morocco, that you get to distrust every one, even those people who are genuinely friendly and hospitable, because sometimes this is only a facade.

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== Headline text ==

==Contact==

==Contact==

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For more information contact : [www.fes-guide.com]

==Cope==

==Cope==

Revision as of 00:48, 1 July 2014

The city of Fes.

Fez (فاس) (French: "Fès") is a city in Morocco famous for being home to the world's oldest university, the Qarawiyyin university. It has an ancient walled city, which many compare to the walled city of Jerusalem.

Understand

Fez is the medieval capital of Morocco founded by Idris I in 789, and a great city of high Islamic civilization. Fez has the best-preserved old city in the Arab world, the sprawling, labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali, which is incidentally also the world's largest car-free urban zone. Within the medina transports of goods is provided by donkeys, mules and handcarts.
Understand that the city infrastructure is not necessarily prepared for tourism, especially English speakers. Try to use Google translate to get across, but learning basic words won't hurt, and you will see people appreciating your efforts.

Get in

Map of Fez (Overview)

Leaving the airport, change some money (10 Euros) in the change, for the bus. After leaving, go slightly left, into an alley. Walk for about 200m, until you see a bus stop marked by a sign. Wait there for a blue bus. Resist the offers from touts and yelling taxidrivers. They will try to scam you into paying anything from 5 EUR to 20 EUR. So unless you want to spat at these hard-working Moroccans, who can only watch crooks scamming tourists, wait for the bus. You will pay about 50 cents for it, and support a tax-paying company, and the country in general. Also: nobody will think you are another one of 'these' tourists.

By plane

Royal Air Maroc offers daily flights from Casablanca London-Gatwick and Paris-Orly to Fes-Saiss airport.

Vueling flies from Barcelona (El Prat) to Fez, many connections to cities all over Europe are proposed via the Vueling hub in Barcelona

The airport is located about 15km from the city. One option, if you don't have too much luggage, is to take a 'local bus' (line 16), or you can choose a 'taxi' (cost 120-150 dirham into town, price is for the whole car).

The is also now an "airport shuttle" that costs "2Euro/20 DH" for a single trip. it's a new Volvo bus with a printout on the right side (Fez - Airport). It runs approximately every 30 minutes. It will take you to the train station and the ride is about 25-30 minutes. The ticket can be purchased on the bus.

If you go from Fez to the airport, the bus stop is on the left of the entrance to the train station. You can buy ticket in advance at the cash-desk at the bus stop. But allow plenty of time as departures can be erratic and it can take more than 1 hour to arrive to the airport.

There is a fixed price for a taxi DH 120 from the airport to the town centre. If you come in the night it's a good idea to book it in advance.

By train

The train station Fès-Ville. is found at the northern end if the Ville-Nouvelle.
There is regular train service along the Marrakech to Oujda and Tangier to Oujda train lines.

The trip from Casablanca takes about 3 hours 20 to 4 hours 20 and costs 165/110 dirhams. (1st class/2nd class). High speed double decker trains are being phased in on this route in 2011.

There are five trains per day from Tangier arriving after 4.5 hours at a cost of 155/105 dirhams (1st class/2nd class).

From Rabat takes about two and a half to three hours, and costs 75-105 dirhams.

In summer, train compartments can be hot, with passengers standing everywhere when all seats are taken. While occasionally unreliable, first class compartments are generally well air-conditioned, with assigned and numbered seats.

Be aware that there are hustlers operating on trains into Fez. See the Stay Safe and Cope sections, below.

A petit taxi between the train station and Bab Boujeloud costs about 10Dh with taxi meter. Insist on using the meter, if necessary, say "khdm l-koontoor" (Work the counter) to the taxi driver.

By car

Fez is about 4 hours' drive by car from Casablanca. The stretch of toll highway from Rabat to Fez is in superb condition. The motorway continues from Fes to Oujda in the far eat of Morocco.

By taxi

Travelling by grand taxi (inter-city taxi), is viable for tourists. Places in the taxi (usually an old Mercedes car) are sold individually, however they carry 6 passengers, 4 in the rear and 2 in the front, in order to travel in relative comfort, you may wish to purchase more than one seat. A ride from Fez to Casablanca costs approximately 60-80 dirhams per seat. Note that grand taxi fares are regulated and it is worth checking the official rates with the tourist board, as some drivers or hotels will quote inflated prices.

Within Fez, ride in the petits taxis (local taxis) rarely cost more that 15-20 dirhams. However, the medina of Fes el-Bali is only accessible from a few points by car. Bab Boujeloud, nearby Place Batha, and Place R'cif are popular dropoff points, for parking there is spaces at Ain Zleten on the northeast edge of the medina. Another openair parking is situated near Hotel Batha (price 20 Dhs / day). If you stay longer than 1 day don't pay in advance.

Private taxis Call for Ali on 0535741941, 150 Dhm from the airport to the Medina, 200 Dhm after 9pm

By bus

The old bus terminal (Gare Routière. ) is just outside Bab Mahrouk on the the north side of the old city, near the Ain Zleten entrance to the medina and Bab Boujloud place. Grands taxis (inter-city taxis) can also be obtained here.

The CTM terminal (gareCTM. ) is in place Allal el-Fassi in the Atlas neighborhood of the ville nouvelle, and has taxi stands nearby.

While the gare routière covers more routes more cheaply, many travelers prefer CTM for its reliability and cleanliness. Most CTM buses leaving Fes, anyway, start from the gare routière and make a stop in the gare CTM after 30min in the town traffic. CTM bus coming into Fes, at the contrary, will leave you at the gare CTM.
Buses number 19 and 29 will transport you between Placa RCIF and the McDonnalds/Careffour/Barcelo hotel. Prepare 3.50 MAD for the journey Just say: MaRhum + 'the place you want to go to'. If it is a wrong bus, you will be told where to go, or at least gestured. Don't forget about min fadlak (please). People don't expect it, it seems, but they look like they appreciate it a lot.

Get around

Map displaying the medina walking routes.

Ignore the travel guides that tell you that you'll get lost in the medina and that you must hire a guide. One of the easiest ways to get around is to use the red taxis to take you to the nearest gate (bab) and then walk from there until you get your bearings. Gates are all around the city and taxis are cheap. A rough map of where the sights are will help too. If you are particularly worried, be sure to arrange a licensed guide through your hotel or the tourism office - they will be able to give you an accurate history and will make fewer shopping stops. The faux-guides in particular will simply take you from shop to shop where you will be pressured to buy goods, which will cost you extra because the seller will be obliged to pay the guide a hidden commission; they seems to wait near bab boujloud for tourists arriving in the late afternoon, simply don't reply them, first they understand where you are from and then start follow you explaining incomplete infos, finally they'll force you to pay by paper.

There are some basic landmarks that you can use to get around, and there is a path network marked by signs perched on walls, although these can be hard to locate at times. These signs have a 8-point star shape which will guide you between the main places in the medina. If you are lost you only have to find one of these signs and follow it in any direction until you arrive to a map or a known place. You may also find it useful to carry a compass, as the narrow, built-up streets can block the view of landmarks and be disorienting. Alternatively, just keep heading downhill and you will eventually get to a gate.
The main street is the Talaa Kbira, which runs from Bab Boujloud. to the Kairouine. mosque in the heart of the medina. The Talaa Sghira also begins at Bab Boujeloud and eventually merges back into the Talaa Kbira. Once you get into the narrow, windy heart of the medina, you can also find your way out again by constantly heading downhill, which will eventually lead to the Place R'cif. , a dropoff for buses and taxis, where you can get a petit taxi out of the medina.

For more detailed tours and directions, look for the book Fez from Bab to Bab (Hammad Berrada). It has a complete map of the medina and several well-described walking tours. It can be found in most bookshops, both on the Talaa Sghira or at the large bookstore on the Avenue Hassan II in the ville nouvelle. However, be discreet taking out your map or you will have many offers from false guides!

Bab Boujloud, the upper and main entrance to the medina.

See

Leather-dyeing pits in Fes.

Just walking around, you will see a great deal!

Get a shave in the medina, nowhere is it cheaper than here, and they really pay attention, even trimming your hair.

In the midst of the maze-like medina are the colorful leather-dying pits. Any number of young boys will offer to guide you to them: just listen for "you want to see the tanneries?" The tour is free (though it is appropriate to offer 1-5 dirhams to your "guide").
There is no chance of getting to see the tanneries by yourself, instead, be prepared for physical abuse for even trying! However, just 10m left of the entrance is a leather shop that offers views to the tannery free of charge and you can see it all from the balcony. Expect to be pressured into buying goods from the shop in return.

It is possible to get into the tannery itself, hang around near the entrance until someone offers to take you in for 10 dirham. He will get you past the entrance and then you can wander in amongst the workers. A word of advice...wear closed shoes and maybe bring a mint leaf to sniff if you have a weak stomach.

Bou Inania madersa: a breathtaking 14th-century religious college. The best example of Islamic architecture a non-Muslim can see in Fez, with wooden walls elaborately carved with geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy, and a beautiful minaret. In the courtyard there is a portico with a still-functioning mosque, separated by the rest of the courtyard by a small moat.

The view from the hills surrounding the old city is spectacular- there are two fortresses overlooking the old city, the Borj Nord which contains an armaments museum, and the Borj Sud, which is being developed for tourism.

The Merenid Tombs next to the Merenid Hotel, provide excellent panoramic views over the medina and the wider city, as well as the olive tree lined hills surrounding the city, and sanctuary from the bustle of the rest of the city. Beware of the odd opportunistic tout.

The Sofitel Palais Jamai terrace has an incredible view over the medina if you are willing to pay 30 dirhams for a glass of tea in order to access it. This is particularly worthwhile if you can time your visit to coincide with the call to prayer, as you can hear multiple minarets from the terrace.

Entrance to the Moulay Idriss II shrine, the tomb of Fez's founder, is limited to Muslims, but the view from just outside its doors is still well-worth hunting down. The mosque is just off the Talaa Kbira near the Souk Attarine.

Similarly, the Qaraouyine library and mosque and the al-Tijani mosque have beautifully decorated exteriors and worth a visit even by those who cannot enter them, which includes all foreigners considered to be non-Muslim.

Do

Map of Fez medina

One of the most fascinating activities to do in Fez is a trip in the medina (Old City). The medina is so complex to navigate that sometimes it's easier to simply lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the various markets, and find your way out once you have had enough of all the sights, sounds, and smells that will overwhelm your senses. You will eventually find your way out via lots of dried fruit, leather goods, ceramics, textiles and food stalls!

Make sure you find an opportunity to escape from the bustle of the streets and see the medina from one of its rooftops - some shops and restaurants have rooftop terraces (see the food section below for some useful tips). The views are particularly spectacular during sunset and after dark.

The Berber pharmacy in the Medina has hundreds of jars of twisted root and twig neatly lined up along the walls. Don't eat the seed-pod like things the proprietor offers you. Although he's eating them also, they are very high in estrogen and can cause a man's nipples to be sore for several days afterwards.

Quartier des tanneurs. . The tanneries in the medina features leather-making techniques unchanged since the Middle Ages. Men walk the narrow paths between huge vats of lye and colorful dyes, water wheels creak as the leather is rinsed, and buildings facing the tannery are covered with pelts hanging to dry. Visit early in the morning before the sun hits the tannery and the stench sets in.

There are several well-marked trails through the city: follow the green (Andalusian palaces and gardens), orange (walls and fortifications), or blue signs and you won't get lost in all the narrow twisting streets.

Learn

The Arabic Language Institute in Fez, +212 35 62 48 50 (fax +212 35 93 16 08, [email protected]), [13] offers high quality three-week and six-week courses in Arabic, both Modern Standard Arabic and the Moroccan colloquial language. The Institute can also arrange accommodation with a Moroccan host family for their students if required.

Work

Buy

Tagines for sale in Fez.

Some may consider Fez to be the handicraft capital of Morocco, but in reality the quality and value of its wares can be hit and miss. Leathergoods, copper and brassware are the bargains to be had, although you may also find good prices on drums and other musical instruments.

If you're interested in the cobalt-blue ceramic, you might go to the potteries where they make it. It's really cool to see how they model the clay into a tagine in 45 seconds. From Bab el-Ftouh, it's a 5 dirham taxi. Ask the driver to take you to "Les potteries de Fez". There're 2 big "factories", both show you the whole process if you want or you could just see the exhibition (and buy). Bargain really hard, prices seem to be fixed, but they are not at all!

Eat

The markets near the 'main' gate of Bab Boujeloud (near to Hotel Cascades) are full of yummy food. It is worth just wandering through them, buying random bits of food. Street food is very cheap and is often safe. Restaurants, even cheap ones, will often be up to twice the cost of street food, and the quality can be the same. In the medina is difficult to find cheap food other than in the Bab Boujeloud area. There are only a very few tourist restaurants where you will get ripped off and some food stalls down in the food market near the R'cif place.

Budget

Snack Omar, Rue de la Poste (Batha area, around the corner of the Postoffice,), ☎+212 535 74 19 23 or +212 6 66 20 22 30. 10AM - 11PM. Simple decoration of the restaurant with a take away counter, but very cosy, clean and great food. A good restaurant for dinner up to 15-20 people or a quick snack in the afternoon. You can get the real traditional Moroccan food like Tajines, Pastilla and Meschwi but also a Pizza or Spagetti if you like. The employees are very friendly and treat you like a welcome guest. The food is delicious and at Moroccan prices. A Tajine for example is 45 MAD! You should really try the Pastilla which is very tasty or the Meschwi (order the last one in advance).

Mezzanine, 17, Kasbat Chams (In front of the jnaj sbil garden, less than 50 meters from the place Boujeloud), ☎+21211078336, [2]. Set over three floors, with an additional outside patio, Mezzanine offers both a cosy lounge bar for a quiet cocktail tapas as well as a comfortable larger seating area for dinners and parties.

L'Ambre (2001), Riad Fes, 5Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana, ☎+212 35 74 12 06, [3]. In the heart of a medieval city known for its diverse savory eateries, L'Ambre offers a dining experience that should not be missed when visiting Fez. A delightful selection of Moroccan cuisine with an original twist is served in any of our three dining rooms, in the garden or on the roof terrace.

Le Kasbah (near Bab Boujloud). Friendly service, a solid selection of inexpensive Moroccan staples (excellent vegetarian tagine) and a couple of lovely high terraces overlooking the Gate on one side and the medina on the other. It is a comfortable atmospheric place to chat to other travellers and its a welcome haven from the bustle of the crowded streets of the medina. Street food is allowed to eat at the terraces. You pay only the service for the drink. 10 % tip (not included in the food price) is expected.

Fez Lounge[14], 95, Zkak Rouah- Tala Kbira, tel +212535633097. Down the Tala Kbira, on a tiny street on your right)or F Lounge; is the new addition to the medina scene. With walls in dark grey tadelakt and an ambiance of an ultra contemporary Arab dream, Fez Lounge is highly recommended for its Mediterranean inspired tapas such as Camembert bruschetta with walnuts and balsamic vinegar or for its reputed warm brownie with chocolate. Traditional Moroccan dishes like Pastilla and tajines are also available. Owned by an Italian, you can feel its style from the design of the tables to the dim lighting or the Hotel Costes Music.

Restaurant Bouinania (near Bab Boujloud). Enjoy lunch on the terrace or a leisurely dinner on the carpet-adorned second floor. The service is very friendly and more than willing to fire up the grill to make you the first brochettes of the day. Tagine, couscous, and other staples are well-done and offered for around 40 dh, but prices are negotiable down to 25 dh.

Le Kasbah (Bab Boujloud) has 2 nice terraces, a set menu or a la carte dishes. If you're tired of potatoes everywhere, try the grilled lamb chops and ask the waiter to change the french fries and rice for salad. Great for lunch!

Cafe Clock (near Bab Boujloud) Good luck finding this magnificently restored house in the old medina turned into a cafe. Look for the sign, ask a shopkeeper, or use your GPS and pray. The people are super friendly (and speak English) and the food is excellent. Service can be slow. There are many levels -- keep climbing those stairs to be seated on the terrace, and listen for the call to prayer coming from minarets in the area. Don't expect to see any locals dining here, but do try the camel burger (like beef, but humptier).

Restaurant Typique Marocain Jenno 50Dh for salad and main course. Very tasty couscous. The owner speaks very good english and has some very interesting stories to tell. Address 1112 Ouad Zhoun, Fes Medina. Phone:0611073294

Ville Nouvelle

Casa Nostra - For pizza, you can try this Italian restaurant, 1 block from Hasan II and Mohammed V.

Mid-range

Le Palais de Fes - Also known as Dar Tazi (Place R'cif). A rooftop restaurant over a carpet shop, Dar Tazi offers Fez's best pastilla and other traditional dishes. The stairs up are steep and narrow and dinner runs about 350dh per person, but the food and view are well worth it.

San Remo Fed up with couscous and tajine? Then you could try this Morocco owned Italian restaurant in the new part of town. Just opposite the police station, it offers a lovely Italian deli and numerous pasta and pizza dishes for a decent price.

Splurge

Dar Saada Restaurant[15] Located in the centre of the medina, this restaurant is a favorite of Travel and Leisure magazine and is worth the indulgence.

L'Ambre: [www.restaurantfes.com], Located in the heart of the medina, it offers an elegant and superior dining experience in all of Morocco. Serving up Moroccan cuisine with innovative twists, food is served in one of three rooms, including a spectacular terrace.

Drink

Almost all drinking establishments in Fez are hotel bars. The rest are local bars that women and anyone without a good command of Arabic might be uncomfortable entering. In bars of either type, prostitutes are frequent but mostly ignore western travellers. Fes is a much more traditional town than Casablanca or Marrakesh, and it is technically illegal to drink in public. Purchasing alcohol or seeming intoxicated are sure to draw stern looks from passersby.

The Bar at Hotel Batha Place Batha. In the rear of Hotel Batha are two bars - the first is more of a lounge, with comfortbale leather chairs and fireplaces. It is definitely the more stately of the two options. In the rear is a night-club type bar that is mostly empty and rarely open.

Restaurant International, The Car Park at Av. Abdellah Chefchawni. This little place is easy to overlook, but the fact that the outer windows are mirrored should be the first indication it won't be at the top of any tourist routes. The crowd here is all local, and foreigners might expect a few stares and side looks. They serve the basic selection of beer, as well as some of the best spaghetti and pizza in town. Three stories, but avoid the middle one - the band is usually blasting bad synthesizer-Arabic music. Also avoid the basement, unless you're looking for prostitutes.

The White Souk / Marché Centrale, (on Blvd Mohammed V). A good place to find alcohol if you prefer to drink at home. There are two brick-and-mortar liquor stores on either side of the Souk, and many of the vendors inside keep discreet stashes for thirsty foreigners.

Mezzanine, [4]. Set over three floors, with an additional outside patio,Mezzanine offers both a cosy lounge bar for a quiet cocktail tapas as well as a confortable larger seating area for dinners and parties. Fully wifi d, Mezzanine transforms from a day time lounge into one of Fez most cosmopolitan dinner, music and venues with it s resident dj. Open from 12 until 02PM non stop. Enjoy a coktail, beer or wine on the terrace. It s really unique

L'Alcazar Bar, Riad Fes, 5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana, [5]. After a high-energy day in the Medina, L'Alcazar Bar is a comfortable oasis of relaxation and refreshment, the perfect backdrop for a memorable moment with friends and family. A stylish lounge area where stunning design is combined with a warm atmosphere exuding an oriental yet contemporary feel. The lounge bar and fumoir feature a vast choice of cocktails, malt, cognac, wines but also a selection of cigars.

Sleep

Map of Fez ville nouvelle

Most visitors to Fez will want to stay in the medina as the main tourist sights are located there, and the new town is quite a distance from the medina so you will be relying on taxis to take you in and out every day

Dar Rabha, 41 Derb Serraj, Fez Medina, Fez, Morocco (When you arrive in Fez take a taxi to Bab Bou Jeloud, “The Blue Gate.” On the main street “Tala'a Sghira,” below the restaurant area, there will be a sign next to a doorway that reads Dar Rabha. Enter this doorway and follow the ally down to the guesthouse. You can also call them and they will send a member of there staff to meet you at “The Blue Gate” and bring you to the Riad. They can also arrange a pick up for you at the airport, bus or train station when you arrive.), ☎+212 535 638 726, [7]. checkin: anytime; checkout: 12:00 noon. Dar Rabha has deferent sized dorm and private rooms. It is a nice looking Riad that has been nicely decorated. A large tent covers the terrace and has a bunch of big couches inside which make it a really comfortable place to relax. The breakfast is tasty and really filling. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly, especially the owner Aziz. Dorm rooms are Dh 130 and private rooms are Dh 320-450 a night..

Budget

RIAD VERUS 0535741941. Near Batha fountain lies this beautiful Riad hostel, perfect place to meet other travellers, hang out on their awesome roof terrace with a cold beer, smoke a sheisha, stretch out at one of their yoga classes, lounge in the hammocks or take part in their daily activity schedule such as henna, hammam or cooking class. Riad Verus is also the first Discotel in Morocco and has a live DJ spinning some of the best latest international House music. Clients are young, openminded and fun. Excellent fast wifi, free use of communal computer, lockers and satisfying healthy breakfast included in the price. Special May and June rate of just 165 Dhm per person per night in dorm room if you quote WIKI165. Rated Best Hostel in Africa 2012 and 2013. link title[email protected]

Hotel Cascades, 26 rue Serrajine (near Bab Boud Jeloud - main gate in the Medina), ☎+212 35 638 442. The rooms are clean, noisy and simple. Shared bathrooms on the first and second floor, free hot shower on the first. In the same price-range as the youth hostel with a better location and no lockout, and therefore attracting a clientele of young backpackers and solo tourists looking for travel companions. Staying on the roof-terrace which also has a restaurant (breakfast Dh 25, mains Dh 50) is cheap but good, although backslash could be the 5AM calls to prayer waking you up, 6AM light and summer midday-heat.single Dh 70, double Dh 160, bed on roof terrace Dh 40, breakfast Dh 25.

Hotel Erraha (near Bab Boud Jeloud - main gate) in the Medina. Ugly and noisy, not absolutely clean but could serve for a night if you don't find another place, 100 Dhs. One of the employees, Mohammad, is a good man, and will gladly tell you about the history of Fes, and help you out if you need anything.

There are a few more hostels near the main gate walking down any of the two parallel main streets, but not many of them. Try to arrive well before dark. The streets beyond the two main ones can be frightening at night.

Pension Batha, (100-250 Dhs) 8 Sidi Lkhayat Batha, Fax: 05-574-1150, just across from Hotel Batha, around the corner from Bab Boud Ganoush. It has limited rooms, and fills up quickly, but they are clean and include private bathroom. It comes with breakfast on a nice (but small) terrace on the top floor. Double Room with bathroom 250 Dhs. Breakfast very simple but OK. Ask for Laila (English spoken).

Hotel Rex, 32 Machra bel Ksiri (apparently near place Atlas but not easily found), tel. 035.642133, 100 Dh for a double room in the Ville Nouvelle, near the Gare CTM.

Dar Aquas:[16] Dar Aquas is a beautifully restored, 5 bedroom boutique riad guesthouse in the in the oldest part of the ancient medina of Fez. The 300 year old restored Dar, as the traditional courtyard houses are known, features intricate original hand carved plaster decoration, 4 metre high carved cedar doors, hand cut tilework, and cedar beamed ceilings. It is 5 minutes from the Rcif Gate, close to taxis and public transport. Dar Aquas is near many of the historical sites of Fez including the Kairouine and Andalous Mosques, the Attarine Souk (market), several old medersas (Koranic schools) and the famous Fez Tanneries, all of which are within close walking distance. Rooms from 45-80 Euros incl a complimentary breakfast & free WiFi.

Riad Jamai:[17] A traditional riad that has been restored to its former slendour, with extremely helpful and welcoming staff. The rooms are large and comfortable and the breakfast will keep you going all day. The location is in a residential local area of the medina, a good walk from the main attractions, but near a gate (bab) for a short taxi ride to the busy medina. Its location ensures a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the main medina, whilst also providing local amenities for fruit and veg and everyday Fes life. Rooms from 50-110 Euros

Dar El Menia:[18] lies in the heart of Fez (Fes) Medina. This 14C, Dar or courtyard house has recently been completely restored using local craftsmen, techniques and materials and provides the perfect luxurious base to begin exploring the Medina of Fez. Situated adjacent to Talaa Kebira, the Medina's main street it offers easy access to all major sites of interest. Dar El Menia is run and owned by an Englishman, Graham Coules. Rooms from 40 to 75 euros. The Dar El Menia website[19]also has information regarding desert tours,cooking schools,cafes/restaurants and nearby sites of interest.

Dar Anebar: Beautiful riad decorated in a traditional Moroccan style, but including a host of modern amenities. This place is really the best of both worlds: if you stay in the Dar Anebar Annex, you can enjoy the elegance of a riad, while still having access to the convenience of free wifi, hot showers, and french toilets. Also great location, just minutes from Bab Guissa. During the off-season, double rooms in the annex are only 65euros per night.

Dar Bennis: traditional 18th century house (riad) in the Medina for vacation or holiday rental for up to five people, starting at 80 euros for entire house. This website [20] also has lots of information about Fez museums, architecture, restaurants, real estate & monuments.

Dar Mystere: traditional Fassi house (dar) in an excellent location in the Medina for vacation or holiday rental for up to six people, starting at 50 euros for exclusive use of the house. This website [21] has more information.

Hotel Batha: (near Bab Boud Jeloud beside Post Office) Tourist Hotel in font of Pension Batha. Almost full. About 520 Dhm for double room with bathroom. The price is very high for the quality. The outside of the hotel is great but the room are very basic and old. Just around the corner towards the Bab Bajeloud is an internet café run by a couple of very nice guys who speak English and will be more than willing to give you some insights on the best places to visit and explore in the city. The price for the internet café is 10 DH/h

ChezMaMounia - Bed And Breakfast, (34-55 USD) [22] Avenue Saint Louis, Tel: 06-99008110, Behind Hotel Jnan Fes Palace. For those who want to discover or rediscover the magic city of Fez with an authentic Moroccan family.

Hôtel Mounia.

Lounge House:[23] A traditional Masriya (house for the elder son of the family, profusely decorated) with a contemporary twist. Its up for vacation or holiday rental for up to four people, starting at 90 euros night for the entire house. Interesting links in the website containing much needed info about what to do in Fez.

Dar Tahrya, Tariana, Talaa Kebira (When you arrive in Fez take a taxi to Bab Bou Jeloud, “The Blue Gate.” Walk down the street to the restaurant area. Continue walking for about 200 meters and you will see a sign for Madrassa Bouanania. If you are on the main street “Tala'a Kbira,” turn right. If you are on the other main street “Tala'a Sghira,” turn left. After walking a few meters there will be an ally, Dar Tahrya will appear at the end of this ally with a sign above the door. You can also call them to send a member of there staff to meet you at “The Blue Gate” and bring you to the Riad. They can also arrange a pick up for you at the airport, bus or train station when you arrive.), ☎0535740823. Dar Tahrya is a quiet and comfortable Riad right next to The Medrasa Bou Inania in the old medina. It has a Moorish-style central courtyard with a fountain surrounded by armchairs and two small terraces on the rooftop. They provide free wifi, laundry service, tours, a filling breakfast, and tea or coffee whenever you want it. The place is clean, nicely decorated and the rooms are really cozy. The staff is super friendly and does whatever they can to make you feel at home.rooms from 35 to 45 euros.

Splurge

There are a growing number of beautiful, comfortable guest-houses ("riads") in the medina of Fes el-Bali. They are expensive by Moroccan standards but offer luxury for about the price of a North American chain hotel. Some Moroccan proprietors prey on Westerners' culture-shock to direct business toward favored or overpriced services, so it is worth doing your research before going.

Hotel Sahraihttp://www.hotelsahrai.com Hotel Sahrai is a luxury boutique hotel, perched on a hill, with spectacular views of the Medina and its surroundings. Sahrai is set to redefine the Fez boutique experience with its fresh approach and stylish design. Characterized by a unique blending of contemporary design and Moroccan details, exclusive location, state-of-the-art amenities and arts-oriented approach, Hotel Sahrai offers a different departure from the traditional local boutique experience.

Riad Fes (2001), 5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana, ☎+212 35 94 76 10, [9]. checkin: 2.00PM; checkout: 12.00PM. Riad Fes is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant.Its Andalous pavilion and lounge have brought an even more vibrant edge to Fez’s most stylish Riad. With spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains, Riad Fez is ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure.

Ibis, (at the train station).

Riad Numero 9, 9 Derb Lamside (in the heart of the medina), ☎+212 535 634045, [10]. Intimate boutique hotel. Franco-Mediterranean cuisine. What sets this establishment apart is the interesting decoration which is a juxtaposition of French and English vintage and Asian contemporary. The panoramic view from the rooftop terrace is one of the best in the medina.€100-200.

Riad Tizwa, 15 Derb Gurebba , Batha, ☎+212 66190872 London +447973238444, [11]. Riad Tizwa is Morocco's FIRST recognised environmental riad (by Clef Verte) a traditional Moroccan home in the heart of the medina. Five double bedrooms and English speaking staff makes for good service. Easy to find in the best area of the old town of Fes, the riad has wonderful freshly made breakfasts, a lovely roof terrace to relax on, and nice touches like handmade soap, rose petals, and a great selection of tasty Moroccan food.

Riad Verus, 1 Derb Arset Bennis (Batha), ☎0535741040, [12]. checkin: 12.30; checkout: 11.30. Riad Verus is the brain child behind Nor and Nora. Between them they speak 7 languages and are very tourist savy and will bend over backwards to ensure you enjoy your stay and are safe. All rooms have flat screen tvs, ipod plug ins, wifi, air con, heating and are ensuite, 2 with jacuzzis. The Riad has been beautifully restored with original mosaics, cedar wood designs and specialist plastering and meets all the new legal safety requirements for Hotel operation. The Riad has a large salon, coffee bar, restaurant, massage room, chill out pod, amazing 360 degree panoramic views of the Medina from their roof terrace which has been set up Nikki Beach Lounge style with Berber live music twice a week. The location is excellent, parking close by, around the corner from Ryad Sheherazade in the trendy neighbourhood. Yoga classes offered in the morning before breakfast and guiding offered by the team of carefully chosen fun official guides. They also have a dorm room for only 25 Euros a night ensuite for the budget traveller who wants to stay in style at an affordable price and meet other like minded people. from 80 €.

Riad Yacout'[27]. Riad Yacout is a fassi house in the medina restored on the norms and of tradition by the artisans of Fez.

Palais Faraj for the true Moroccon Royal Treatment spoil yourself at this hotel. It is in a newly renovated palace just outside the Medina walls. For a relative low price on international standards, you can find a luxurious suite and wonderful service.

Stay safe

Fez is safe, but crowded. Take standard precautions regarding wallet, purse, etc. If you hear "Belek! Belek!" behind you, stand aside because a heavily-laden donkey is bearing down on you! Appear to know where you are going, even if you don't, or you will get offers from false guides. False guides are not dangerous but they can be exasperatingly tenacious. They can also promise to take you to your hostel or hotel... walking a much longer way, so you can expect being cheated. Best technique is to not even acknowledge their presence. That is rude and they won't be pleased, but it is better than to have them walk with you for half an hour. If you have to ask directions ask to someone that is obviously busy in his own business and try to appear as sure as you can of the way you are going ("This way to R'cif, right?"). Getting caught with a faux guide will cost you, but it will cost the faux guide more: they can receive up to 2 days imprisonment if they get caught. Cops are often in plain clothes, so be wary! A useful strategy with false guides is to say all the lines they have been taught before they have said them to show you know what you are doing; they all say the same thing so just learn it and repeat.
Just a tip for any situations: keep in your wallet only fews dhirams most part in coins, divide remaining money in different places so if a faux-guide, an insistent seller or just to negotiate price you can stay safe and show an empty wallet.

You should also beware of hustlers (aka con-artists); Fez has a far larger number of them than almost everywhere else and they use more sophisticated techniques. An example of a prominent scam occurs where you come into Fez by train and someone talks to you saying he is coming to visit his relatives, and is actually a respectable outsider (e.g. an owner of a hotel). He will then ask you to come eat with his relatives and when you get there they will spend most of the time trying to suggest accommodation, offering you tours where they gain commission from all the (especially Carpet) shops, and even organize expensive desert excursions that are actually just you driving in circles just outside the city for three days.

Beware of people at the train/bus station (even the bus driver) who introduce you to their "cousins" or "brothers," trying to involve you in some sort of carpet-selling scam, and especially refrain from handing over your credit card in such situations.
There are many other scams and annoyances trying to get you into a shop/restaurant/hotel with various degrees of lying in the stories people make up. If in doubt, be independent and look for yourself e.g. whether the hotel you want to go to is indeed closed or under construction.

This is unfortunately one of the sad things about Morocco, that you get to distrust every one, even those people who are genuinely friendly and hospitable, because sometimes this is only a facade.

Contact

Cope

For a North American traveller, Fez requires a real change of outlook or it will be a very high-stress trip! Shopkeepers and guides are very assertive and you will have to get used to saying "no" a lot. On the other hand, they can be genuinely warm and friendly even while trying to sell you something, an idea that is pretty alien to North Americans where it is assumed that a business relationship is the opposite of sincerity!

Non-Muslims are not allowed to visit mosques, although they can visit the medersas (religious schools).

Bargaining is a way of life that has survived for centuries, and shows no sign of changing. Moroccans even bargain among each other for everything except perhaps their utilities. Don't believe anyone (and you will hear it all the time) who tells you prices are being "regulated". Every other souk claims to be a "Government Regulated Co-op".

There is a single, genuine government-regulated fixed price shop in the Ville Nouvelle where all prices are posted, the goods are of decent (if not amazing) quality, and the single bored cashier will just stare incredulously at you if you attempt to bargain with him. Ask any hotel manager or petit taxi driver to take you to the "Artisana." All products sold in Artisanas come directly from the artists who made the products.

Get out

The ancient Roman site of Volubilis.

A visit to the ancient Roman site of Volubilis is a must. This crumbling yet spectacular city has stunning mosaics on offer, and you can easily spend a couple of hours ambling through the ruins. There are organised coach tours running from Fes, however the more intrepid budget traveller can make this journey on their own by catching the train from Fes to Meknes and then a couple of 'collective' taxis to the picturesque historic town of Moulay Idriss then on from there to Volubilis. This is approx a 1/4 of the price of the organised tours and provides far more opportunity for adventure.

Alternatively, Meknes itself is worth a visit, if only due to its calmer and less crowded medina, which has ample shopping opportunities.

Azrou in the nearby Middle Atlas mountains makes a good day trip, especially for it's weekly Tuesday souk/market

From the Gare Routière, you can leave By bus for almost any direction in North Morocco. Buses are usually crappy (old, rusty, and without lights), with the exception of CTM company, which offers European-quality service, for a double price then the Moroccan standard, but usually including the 5-10Dh required for transporting luggage (malletas), and not being overcrowded. People use to come to the station in the morning to book their ticket for the afternoon or the day after, and collecting stickers for luggage, so beware about showing up at the last minute and not finding place.

At the station, touts will try to sell you tickets for Chefchaouen if you look like a western tourist coming for smoke. Avoid them.

CTM leave for the main destinations (Marrakesh, Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan, Oujda, Nador). Going from Fez to Rissani (Merzouga is another 30km taxi ride after Rissani) there is one CTM bus a day, leaving the Fez bus station at 9PM.

Other companies serve any town and village in nord and center Morocco; deaparting hours are shown over the counters, but may change from one day to another, so be sure to ask to the employee.

You can leave Fes by train in the direction of Tangier (~5 hrs; 97dh/145dh) or towards Marrakech (~7 hrs; 180dh/276dh; passing by Rabat and Casablanca). Trains also run east to Oujda, and a newish branch line runs to Nador & continues on to the border with Melilla at Beni Nzar

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!